Christo

I am considering chipping my C230K. What are the potential problems that might arise in the future? Short-term? Long-term?

Benefits vs. Costs

Gains vs. Losses


Thank you very much.

Mike T.

All other things being equal, it will shorten the life of the (otherwise unmodified) engine somewhat. You cannot put engine parts under additional stress (which is what a power increase does, by definition) without an effect on reliability.

Whether the resultant reliability is adequate for your purposes, only you can say.

If there is plenty of reserve capacity in the engine parts, you will likely be OK. Do these engines have forged crankshafts and connecting rods? If not, I'd be careful about major power increases. For really large power increases, even the pistons should be forged. It depends upon how far you want to go.

darkLCD

You should look into what portions of your warranty could be voided by swapping out the ECU. Also, certain aftermarket ECU's remove the redline rev limiter which means you (or the damn valet) could overrev your engine and damage it.